The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is the "Alpine Masters Winner 2023": In the comparison test of the same name conducted by the trade magazine "MOTORRAD", the versatile adventure tourer prevailed against 16 motorcycles of different price and type classes and thus clinched the prestigious victory. The excellent Suzuki result is completed by a class victory for the GSX-8S, which ranks fifth in the overall ranking.

The "Alpen-Masters", which has been held annually since 2005, is one of the largest and most comprehensive comparative tests ever: The editors of the trade magazine "MOTORRAD", together with colleagues from various international media, test the bikes where they are particularly popular: on the winding roads of the Alps. In addition to driving skills, the chassis, engine and equipment are particularly important here. This year, 16 new motorcycles, including sports and big tourers, crossovers and various naked models from brands such as Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Energica, Fantic, Honda, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Yamaha and ZERO, as well as last year's winner Ducati Multistrada V4 S, had to face the challenges of the Stelvio Pass.

Already in the preliminary round, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE prevailed in its class against the Honda XL 750 Transalp "with impressive balance in hairpin bends, a richly damping chassis and the well-behaved, powerful engine" - according to "MOTORRAD". In the finale, the Suzuki model continued this performance and surpassed the competitors, some of whom were much larger and many times more expensive. The testers are correspondingly enthusiastic in their verdict: "It came, saw and won: There is no other way to sum up the triumph of the V-Strom 800DE. The new 800 in-line twin is a well-tuned drive that is in an equally well-tuned chassis. Another reason for the march through: that the 800cc is very, very close to the formula 80 hp, 800 cc and 180 kg for a perfectly balanced country road motorcycle."

"The verdict of the test editors reads like an accolade," says Alexander Hild, General Manager Sales & Marketing Motorcycle at Suzuki Deutschland GmbH. The title of 'Alpen-Masters Winner 2023' is proof of the outstanding quality of our new bike - and at the same time proves that there is more to everyday life than mere performance, expensive suspension technology and endless equipment options. The GSX-8S completes the impressive Suzuki result and shows that we are on the right track."

Adventure tourer trimmed for driving pleasure
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, which has been available in Germany for a few weeks at prices starting at 11,500 euros, reinterprets the beak concept of the legendary DR-Z. At its heart, however, is the fundamentally redesigned two-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 776 cc: with its long-stroke design and 270-degree firing sequence, it strikes the ideal balance between powerful thrust from low revs and sporty revving. Smooth running is ensured by two balance shafts that rotate in a 90-degree arrangement to the crankshaft – a novelty for production motorcycles.

As an adventure tourer, the bike is predestined for everyday use as well as for off-road rides: The 21-inch front wheel ensures safe straight-line stability on loose surfaces, while the adjustable suspension elements from Hitachi Astemo (SHOWA) with their 220 millimeters of travel compensate for even rough bumps. The equipment includes a plastic underbody guard, hexagonal LED headlights, a three-stage height-adjustable windshield and a five-inch color TFT-LCD multifunction instrument in the cockpit. The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), the G (Gravel) mode of the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), which allows controlled slip on the rear wheel, as well as the two-stage ABS support the rider in everyday life.

Additional success for GSX-8S
In addition to the sensational triumph of the V-Strom 800DE, Suzuki also provides the best naked bike in the test with the GSX-8S. "The GSX-8S impresses with great refinement and rich punch in the middle. The tight but stable chassis fits in with this," write the testers of the trade magazine. In the overall standings, she finished in a strong fifth place – impressive proof of the cross-type quality of Suzuki bikes.

Europe's largest motorcycle comparison test
At the Alpen Masters, a test lap of around 155 kilometres is covered, covering the entire diversity of the mountain world: the narrowest hairpin bends, the worst faults, slippery surfaces, the steepest ascents and descents. In addition to the classic values such as range, the Alpen-Masters also covers other special features such as pulling power uphill and braking downhill when loaded and with a pillion. Two current models will compete against each other in each of eight categories, with one motorcycle per category entering the final, for a total of eight bikes. There, the winning motorcycle will be determined. The winner of the previous year will also compete in the final and will have the opportunity to defend the title.